I gave a devotion in Chalchuapa that bears repeating.
Paul in Thessalonians tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
How can we do that?
Because in Romans, Paul tells us that “In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
So how do we know how to be “called according to His purpose”?
In John, the Lord tells us “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my Name, will teach you all things” (John 14:26). If we ask the Lord (the Spirit) to guide us in our prayers and actions, we can expect that God will work for our good.
How this works best for me:
“Lord show me how to pray.” Then I pray whatever comes into my heart.
Or, “Lord, I have this problem. What's the next step?” Then I trust that He will show me one way or another, what to do and when.
These prayers have brought me the best results, and I am able to thank the Lord in all circumstances.
Grant
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
"Keeping the Flame Alive"
We had yet another missions meeting over the weekend. Our topic Saturday night was "Keeping the Flame Alive." As teammates, our goal after the trip part of this journey was over is to get the church to move towards the direction of missions and service in our community and around the world. I think it is our responsibility as short term missionaries to create a fire that spreads to the rest of the congregation. We need to be motivated to love one another, and I have really taken this message to heart coming back from El Salvador.
My mission field right now is all around me. That's the truth for everyone. But I especially want to focus on the teens in my youth group. I've noticed a pattern. It isn't anyone's fault, but it should and can be stopped. The seniors graduate, the juniors step up, but there really aren't any true leaders. I don't know why the teens here don't understand what it means to be a true follower of Christ, or if they do aren't sure enough in their faith to show it until it's time for them to graduate.
We need to bring up senior leaders to lead the juniors so when the seniors lead they can take over. We need to bring up high schoolers who know what they say they believe to show the middle schoolers that Christianity and having a relationship with God is actually pretty legit.
If we can better understand sooner what it means to be an "on fire for Christ Christian" nothing can stop us.
I hope everyone has the opportunity someday to partake in a short term mission trip. The stories you hear and all the experiences you receive can never compare to someone telling you that this is this way and that is that way. If I blabber on too much about how it was like in El Salvador, shut me up! Because I don't think story after story about how these people are "more on fire" than we are is going to help anyone. As a church we need to be on fire in our own way, and I believe we can do it.
So the first step is to step outside your comfort zone. How many times can I talk about it? No one likes to do this. Obviously. I mean, we don't call it stepping outside of your comfort zone for no reason. By doing this, however, God will use you in ways you never could imagine, and you will grow in confidence as a Child of the One True King.
Get involved!!! I can not tell you how tired I am of hearing people talk about how they're being ignored and left out when all they do is sit on the sidelines. Make this your church home. Have a good time. Why does it matter if you make a fool of yourself? If it's for God, it's good.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus. There are so many opportunities to get involved in our community. Everyone is busy, but guess what? Summer vacation is practically here! And that means you have an extra six hours in your day plus homework time that you don't usually have. Do something productive and get creative.
I really hope I can be the leader in my youth group God wants me to be in these last few months before I'm "out." And I know we're going to have great leaders next year, but I think it's time to pick up the pace. Live a God-filled life. You won't regret it, I promise.
My mission field right now is all around me. That's the truth for everyone. But I especially want to focus on the teens in my youth group. I've noticed a pattern. It isn't anyone's fault, but it should and can be stopped. The seniors graduate, the juniors step up, but there really aren't any true leaders. I don't know why the teens here don't understand what it means to be a true follower of Christ, or if they do aren't sure enough in their faith to show it until it's time for them to graduate.
We need to bring up senior leaders to lead the juniors so when the seniors lead they can take over. We need to bring up high schoolers who know what they say they believe to show the middle schoolers that Christianity and having a relationship with God is actually pretty legit.
If we can better understand sooner what it means to be an "on fire for Christ Christian" nothing can stop us.
I hope everyone has the opportunity someday to partake in a short term mission trip. The stories you hear and all the experiences you receive can never compare to someone telling you that this is this way and that is that way. If I blabber on too much about how it was like in El Salvador, shut me up! Because I don't think story after story about how these people are "more on fire" than we are is going to help anyone. As a church we need to be on fire in our own way, and I believe we can do it.
So the first step is to step outside your comfort zone. How many times can I talk about it? No one likes to do this. Obviously. I mean, we don't call it stepping outside of your comfort zone for no reason. By doing this, however, God will use you in ways you never could imagine, and you will grow in confidence as a Child of the One True King.
Get involved!!! I can not tell you how tired I am of hearing people talk about how they're being ignored and left out when all they do is sit on the sidelines. Make this your church home. Have a good time. Why does it matter if you make a fool of yourself? If it's for God, it's good.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus. There are so many opportunities to get involved in our community. Everyone is busy, but guess what? Summer vacation is practically here! And that means you have an extra six hours in your day plus homework time that you don't usually have. Do something productive and get creative.
I really hope I can be the leader in my youth group God wants me to be in these last few months before I'm "out." And I know we're going to have great leaders next year, but I think it's time to pick up the pace. Live a God-filled life. You won't regret it, I promise.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Show God's Love
With three weeks left of school, I'm beginning to feel like a failure when I should feel like a champion. I don't want to regret the last four years, but I sometimes wonder what could have happened had I lived every single moment of every day glorifying God. We all have our ups and downs. Not just in our Christian walk with God, but in our daily lives. Life can be a little overwhelming after receiving assignment "essay five, due tomorrow" along with thirty hours of work a week, but is that reason enough to put on a sullen expression, plug our music into our ears, and tune out the lost and hurting around us?
I'm as guilty of this as the next guy. Plus, I don't want to feel bad about feeling bad, you know?
There's nothing wrong with feeling down because of a not so good test grade, or because you didn't get enough sleep the night before, or because you can't take one more customer's snarky remarks at the check-out. But that doesn't mean you can check-out of life for a few hours. Who is going to pick up your slack?
With three weeks left of school, I'm beginning to feel like I need a more positive attitude. No use looking at the past and thinking, "Man, why didn't I smile at that person in the hallway?" or "Man, why didn't I give a high-five to my teammates when they made a good play and I screwed up?" Instead of feeling sorry for yourself about how all your friends ditched you at lunch, take the opportunity and make a new friend. Maybe someone who needs to be shown the love of Jesus.
With three weeks left of school, I'm beginning to feel like I need to stay on top of things. We are called to be the light in a dark world. Jesus is life to the dying and broken. How many dying and broken people do you see every day? Don't want to think about it, right?
I challenge you to make a pledge. From here on out. No matter what kind of "debbie-downer" mood you're in, take a step back, look at your problems from God's perspective, and show your peers God's love by simply being joyful in each and every situation. You may not necessarily be happy, but joy can come from a place deep inside of you that only the grace of God can reach.
Be a short-term missionary in your school. For those of you seniors, who cares what anyone things of you? You're going to be gone soon. For those of you with a few high school years ahead of you, dare to be a "Jesus Freak," a "religious nut," or simply be a kindhearted person who let's Jesus' love wash over everyone they meet.
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart, I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay. 'Cause I'm so happy, so very happy. I've got the love of Jesus in my heart. And I'm so happy, so very happy. I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
I'm as guilty of this as the next guy. Plus, I don't want to feel bad about feeling bad, you know?
There's nothing wrong with feeling down because of a not so good test grade, or because you didn't get enough sleep the night before, or because you can't take one more customer's snarky remarks at the check-out. But that doesn't mean you can check-out of life for a few hours. Who is going to pick up your slack?
With three weeks left of school, I'm beginning to feel like I need a more positive attitude. No use looking at the past and thinking, "Man, why didn't I smile at that person in the hallway?" or "Man, why didn't I give a high-five to my teammates when they made a good play and I screwed up?" Instead of feeling sorry for yourself about how all your friends ditched you at lunch, take the opportunity and make a new friend. Maybe someone who needs to be shown the love of Jesus.
With three weeks left of school, I'm beginning to feel like I need to stay on top of things. We are called to be the light in a dark world. Jesus is life to the dying and broken. How many dying and broken people do you see every day? Don't want to think about it, right?
I challenge you to make a pledge. From here on out. No matter what kind of "debbie-downer" mood you're in, take a step back, look at your problems from God's perspective, and show your peers God's love by simply being joyful in each and every situation. You may not necessarily be happy, but joy can come from a place deep inside of you that only the grace of God can reach.
Be a short-term missionary in your school. For those of you seniors, who cares what anyone things of you? You're going to be gone soon. For those of you with a few high school years ahead of you, dare to be a "Jesus Freak," a "religious nut," or simply be a kindhearted person who let's Jesus' love wash over everyone they meet.
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart, I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay. 'Cause I'm so happy, so very happy. I've got the love of Jesus in my heart. And I'm so happy, so very happy. I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
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